The Oita court sentences the man to eight years in prison for dangerous driving

The Oita District Court on Thursday sentenced a 23-year-old man to eight years in prison for causing a fatal accident in Oita town in 2021, after the president dismissed the previous charge of negligent driving and upgraded it to dangerous driving.

According to the complaint, the accident occurred on the night of February 9, 2021, when the then 19-year-old defendant’s car, which was traveling at 120 mph (194 km/h) — three times the legal speed limit of 37 mph (60 km/h) — struck a vehicle hit that turned to the right. at a crossroads.

The collision killed the spinning driver, 50-year-old company employee Ken Koyanagi.

The case was initially filed for negligent driving causing death, but public pressure, including a petition from the victim’s family, led prosecutors to seek a dangerous driving charge, which carries stiffer penalties.

Prosecutors described the speed as “extremely reckless” and asked for a 12-year prison sentence.

They argued that driving at such speeds significantly increases the chance that the suspect will be unable to brake or steer properly, and describe his motivation – allegedly to experience the sound and feel of the motorcycle’s acceleration – as ‘selfish and self-centered’.

They also emphasized the strong desire for accountability expressed by the victim’s family.

Defense attorneys countered that the defendant had maintained a straight path along the road and argued that the incident did not meet the legal definition of reckless driving causing death.

In his closing statement, the suspect apologized and said: “I am filled with remorse. I’m really sorry.”

Translated by The Japan Times